By Mulengera Reporters
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has ordered Miracle Television Limited, commonly known as Channel 44 TV, together with prominent preacher Robert Kayanja of Miracle Center Church, to submit video recordings and written explanations following allegations of false and distorted broadcasting.
In a letter dated April 20, 2026, the Uganda Communications Commission confirmed it had officially commenced investigations into complaints arising from televised church services aired on March 19, 20, and 21, 2026. The broadcasts are said to have featured statements by Pastor Kayanja that allegedly misrepresented forensic evidence presented in an ongoing criminal case.
The complaint was filed by Ojambo & Ojambo Advocates, the lawyers representing Reagan Ssentongo, Peter Serugo, Khalifah Labeeb, Alex Wakamala, Martins Kagolo, Jamil Mwandha, Israel Wasswa and Aggrey Kanene involved in Criminal Case No. KLA-CO-605 of 2023, currently before the Chief Magistrates Court in Mengo at Nateete/Rubaga. The lawyers claim that statements aired on Channel 44 TV distorted the testimony of a forensic expert and suggested that defense lawyers had presented unverified evidence, thereby exposing them to public ridicule.
According to the complaint, the broadcasts may have interfered with the integrity of judicial proceedings and risked influencing public perception of an active court matter. The complainants argue that such coverage undermines the presumption of fairness required in ongoing trials.
The UCC, acting under Section 5(1)(i) of the Uganda Communications Act, which empowers it to receive and investigate complaints related to communications services, stated that it had found sufficient grounds to initiate formal inquiries. The Commission also cited Section 32 of the Act, which requires broadcasters to comply with minimum broadcasting standards, including accuracy and responsibility in content dissemination.
In its directive, the regulator ordered Channel 44 TV to provide recordings of the disputed broadcasts and submit written representations addressing the allegations. The station has been given until April 27, 2026, to comply with the directive.
The Commission further stated that a hearing will be held on April 29, 2026, at UCC House in Bugolobi, starting at 2:00 p.m. Channel 44 TV has been instructed to send senior representatives, including Pastor Kayanja, who is identified as the central figure in the contested broadcasts.
The complainants and their legal team have also been invited to attend the hearing to provide clarifications and support their claims.
UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo emphasized that failure by the television station to comply with the directives, submit recordings, or attend the scheduled hearing would not prevent the Commission from continuing its investigations and taking appropriate regulatory action.
The case has sparked renewed debate over the responsibilities of broadcasters in Uganda, especially when covering matters linked to ongoing court proceedings. Media and legal analysts have previously cautioned that inaccurate reporting of judicial matters can jeopardize both reputations and the fairness of trials.
Channel 44 TV had not publicly responded to the allegations by the time of publication.
The UCC investigation is expected to determine whether the broadcaster breached national broadcasting standards and what disciplinary measures, if any, should be imposed. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
